Headlight lens



patented Jan. `3, 1933 JOSEPH CHARLES AUGUSTE LABRECHE, OF MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA HEADLIGHT LENS Application filed August 23, 1930, Serial No. 477,250, and in Canada June 18, 1930.

The present invention pertains to a novel lens for headlights, particularly automobile headlights, and the principal object is to provide a device of this character so constructed as to avoid glaring rays passing into the eyes of approaching drivers.

Although contrivances for this general object have been suggested, the present invention aims to provide such a device which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manu facture and effective in operation. Accordingly, the device embodies a flat lens having a pair' of parallel fins extending therefrom in such a manner to obstruct the original l upward rays and deflect them to the ground.

These fins are disposed at the inner surface of the lens body and may be integral or separate with respect to said body.

The invention is fully disclosed by way of example in the following description and in the accompanying drawing in which Figure l is a longitudinal section of the device, showing diagrannnatically the direction of the rays of light;

Figure 2 is a plan section; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the lens.

Reference to these views will now be made by use of like characters which are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout.

In Figure l is illustrated a. conventional automobile headlight comprising a shell or casing l which contains a suitable parabolic reflector 2. ln the center of the reflector is mounted an electric bulb or lamp 3 which is held to the center of the shell l as indicated by the numeral l.

At the open end of the shell and reflector is provided a plane lens body 6 secured in this position by a flange or ring 7. From the rear face of the lens body are extended parallel fins 8 consisting of a light-diffusing or deflecting material. The fins are preferably molded with the lens body 6 or may be applied as separable members, if desired. When made of glass, the fins may be imparted their necessary properties by means of a smooth etching over the surfaces thereof.

It will be seen by reference to Figure l that the fins 8 lie in planes respectively above and below the lamp 3. Consequently, the

central part of the beam is confined between the fins, as shown diagrammatically in Figure l, and thus deflect-ed and delivered at a small angle to the horizontal, whereby it is prevented from rising into the eyes of approaching drivers. Moreover, this small angle causes the beam to be projected a greater distance in advance of the vehicle, approximately 250 feet. The outer rays which strike the reflector 2 are also thrown at suoli an angle G0 that they do not interfere with approaching drivers. The portion of the lens body 6 beneath the lower fin 8 may also be covered with smooth etching to prevent glaring of rays deflected upwardly by the lower portion 35 of the reflector 2.

It will be apparent that the novel lens may be applied to a headlight in the same manner as ordinary lenses and without the use of special fittings. In addition to the avoidance of glare and the distant projection already mentioned, the lens also furnishes ample illumination at the sie es of the Vehicle so that the ditches may be seen and collisions with passing vehicles prevented.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various alterations in the details of construction may be made without departing from the scope of the in- S9 vention as indicated by the appended claims.

lllhat I claim is l. In combination with a lamp housing having a lamp mounted therein, a reflector enclosing said lamp, a lens body inserted in one of the ends of said housing, and a pair of parallel fins extending inwardly from said lens body and disposed in planes substantially tangent to said lamp at diametrically opposite points thereof, the free ends of said fins being spaced from said lamp sufficiently to permit direct rays from the lamp to strike said reflector in close proximity to the plane of said lens. N

2. The combination as described in claim 9 l, wherein said fins are integral with said lens body.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

JOSEPH CHARLES AUGUSTE LABRECHE. 

